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Hip Pain & Hip Replacement Surgery

Specialist assessment, non-surgical treatment and total hip replacement surgery for patients in Sheffield, from Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Andrew Gordon.

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Private consultations at Spire Claremont Hospital, Sheffield

Understanding hip pain

What causes hip pain?

The hip is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints. It is a ball-and-socket joint: the ball is the head of the femur (thigh bone), and the socket is the acetabulum, part of the pelvis. A smooth layer of cartilage normally covers these surfaces, allowing pain-free movement. In arthritis or other conditions, this cartilage becomes worn or damaged, leading to pain, stiffness and loss of mobility.

Hip arthritis and other common causes

Hip pain that leads to a discussion about joint replacement is most often caused by osteoarthritis — wear of the cartilage lining the joint — but a number of other conditions can also be responsible. Common causes of hip pain include:

Osteoarthritis (the most common cause)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis, following injury or fracture
Osteonecrosis — loss of blood supply to the hip bone
Childhood hip disease, which can lead to arthritis in later life

Hip replacement may be considered if hip pain and stiffness are significantly affecting your daily activities and other treatments have not provided relief.

Before surgery

Non-surgical treatment & hip injections

Before surgery is considered, non-surgical treatments are usually tried first. These may include:

Weight loss (if overweight) to reduce strain on the joint
Pain-relieving medications, gels or creams
Physiotherapy and muscle-strengthening exercises
Walking aids, such as sticks or frames
Steroid (corticosteroid) injections into the hip joint

If these measures are no longer effective, surgery may be advised.

Surgery

What is a total hip replacement?

A total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure in which the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components, made of metal, ceramic or plastic, designed to restore movement and relieve pain.

The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a stem and ball implant.
The acetabulum (hip socket) is reshaped and fitted with a cup component.
The cup can be cemented — an all-polyethylene (plastic) socket held in place with bone cement — or uncemented, held in place by impaction and bony ongrowth, with a plastic liner snapped into the metal shell to allow smooth movement.

A total hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine. Based on outcomes reported by Andrew's own patients:

95%report significant or complete pain relief

90%+of implants last at least 20 years

↑improved mobility — walking, stairs and daily activities

↑improved independence and quality of life

Being fully informed

Risks of hip replacement

Although highly successful, hip replacement is a major operation and carries risks. The overall risk of serious complications is low, but it is important that you are aware of them before giving consent.

General risks of surgery

Blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
Chest infection
Urinary infection or retention
Constipation or confusion (from medication or anaesthetic)
Reactions to medicines
Heart attack or stroke (very rare)
Death (extremely rare)

Risks specific to hip replacement

Infection of the wound or joint (may require further surgery)
Dislocation (ball coming out of socket)
Difference in leg length
Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare)
Bleeding or haematoma (occasionally requiring further surgery)
Wound healing problems
Ongoing pain or stiffness
Loosening or wear of the implant over time
Fracture around the hip

This list is not exhaustive. Andrew will discuss the risks relevant to your individual circumstances in full before any decision to proceed with surgery.

Getting ready

Preparing for hip replacement

To give yourself the best chance of a smooth recovery, it is important to prepare well before your operation.

Stay active with light exercise to maintain strength and mobility
If you smoke, stopping before surgery reduces lung and circulation risks
Eat a balanced diet and try to maintain a healthy weight
Make sure your teeth are healthy — dental infections can increase the risk of joint infection
Prepare your home: remove loose rugs, ensure stairs have rails, and place frequently used items at waist height
Consider arranging help with shopping, cooking and household chores for the first few weeks after surgery

You will also be invited to a pre-operative assessment clinic to make sure you are fit and well enough for your operation. Tests may include blood and urine tests, an ECG, a chest X-ray and MRSA screening swabs.

An excellent guide to preparing for surgery, the Active Wait programme, was developed following a collaboration between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the University of Sheffield, and remains the gold standard of preparation before surgery: view the Active Wait guide →

After your operation

Recovery after hip replacement

Recovery is gradual, and everyone progresses at their own pace. Typical stages are:

0–6 weeksPain, swelling and stiffness are common. Walking aids required. Exercises are vital.

6–12 weeksPain improves, walking distance increases, daily tasks become easier.

3–6 monthsReturn to most activities, though some stiffness or swelling may remain.

6–12 monthsFull recovery for most patients.

Most people return to normal activities and can enjoy walking, shopping, swimming, cycling, golf and most other pursuits — around 90% of hip replacements function well at 20 years, and many last longer. If you wish to engage in high-impact activities, please discuss them during your outpatient consultation.

You will be reviewed in clinic around 8 weeks after surgery, when X-rays may be used to check implant position.

Complex & revision cases

Problems following hip replacement & investigation of painful hip replacements

Not every hip replacement is straightforward, and not every patient is a first-time joint replacement candidate. Alongside his primary hip replacement practice, Andrew's NHS role within Sheffield's Lower Limb Arthroplasty Unit — a quaternary referral centre for complex revision surgery — gives him substantial experience assessing patients whose hip replacement:

Remains painful after the original surgery
Feels unstable or has dislocated
Has symptoms that have returned over time
Shows concerning changes on imaging
Is suspected of infection or loosening
Requires a second opinion

At Spire Claremont, Andrew offers specialist private assessment, investigation and advice for patients in this position. Where more complex revision surgery is required, he will advise on the most appropriate route for that care.

Discuss your situation

Common questions

Hip Replacement FAQs

Sometimes recommended, though it isn't needed by everyone — this can be discussed at your pre-operative appointment.

Yes — but outcomes are very successful for most patients, and recovery follows a well-understood path.

Yes, once comfortable — it is advisable to avoid extreme hip positions in the early stages of recovery.

Many patients are suitable for daycase surgery, going home the same day. If not, most are discharged the next day, once safe to do so — this will be discussed with you in advance.

Ready to discuss your hip problem?

Arrange a consultation with Mr Andrew Gordon at Spire Claremont Hospital in Sheffield.

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Total Hip Replacement